By Kimberly Douglass
© Grigor-Dimitrov.com
(December 2, 2010) Success is something typically associated with Grigor Dimitrov, who captured as a juniors player,was able to hold rankings high of No.1. However, the events seen by the Bulgarian player on Nov.26 during the IPP Open, he may soon soon be associated as a hot headed youngster.
After losing to Ricardas Berankis, 6(5)-7, 6-0, 1-6, Dimitrov reportedly approached umpire Daniel Infanger outside of the courts at the Challenger event in Helsinki where he allegedly shoved the official in the chest with both hands. On Monday, Dmitrov was fined €2000, $2640.
Finnish newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, reported that Dimitroy appeared irate and swore at the official until an Italian colleague of Infanger separated the two. The newspaper also said that tournament director Carmelo di Dio announced that the ATP is considering a more serious punishment on the player once the incident is further investigated. This is not the first time the teen has exhibit unsportsman like conduct towards an official.
Despite this blemish, 2010 has been a good year to Dimitrov who, after competing at the Challenger event in New Caledonia, finished as a quarterfinalist in the end. This paved the way for him to successfully qualify into the main draw of the 2010 Australian Open in Melbourne, where he fell at the hands of Robert Kendrick in three sets.
The most notable comparison to this tantrum is the one exhibited by Serena Williams at the 2009 US Open. After threatening an umpire with physical harm, Williams was fined a record $82,500 for her tirade at a line judge, though she never laid hands on her. Top player Jimmy Conners called an official “an abortion” twice at the 1991 US Open.
At the young age of 19-years-old, Dimitrov has won three titles on the Challenger tour and due to his sudden rise over 250 places; he has become the highest ranked teenager in men’s tennis. However, if suspension is the action taken by the ATP, though Dimitrov has nearly secured a main draw entry to the 2011 Australian Open by reaching No.106, his place is now in jeopardy.
Holding the place of World Ranked No.106, Dimtrov is the highest ranked teen on the ATP Tour, placed a full fifty places ahead of Canadian teen Milos Raonic.